Maasai

Documents the living story of the Maasai of Kenya. The daily work, warriors' games, the elders' quiet moments of contemplation, the feasts and ceremonies are all portrayed here in Carol Beckwith's photographs. The accompanying text is written by Ole Saitoti, Maasai chief and scholar.

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The Maasai of Kenya have made their way into the 20th century with their ancient customs and the structure of their society preserved to unusual extent. This is the book that made Carol Beckwith's worldwide reputation as a photographer. Written by the distinguished Maasai scholar Tepilit Ole Saitoti, it documents their living story. It recounts the ancient legends, reveals the songs and prayers and vividly recounts the rites of passage for a Maasai - childhood, initiation, warrior rank and finally elderhood. The daily work of maintaining the herds, beading skirts and building huts and kraals; the warriors' games, dances and flirtations; the elders' quiet moments of contemplation; the feasts and ceremonies are all portrayed here in Carol Beckwith's photographs.